Joint Resolution

When conservative treatments no longer ease joint pain, joint replacement may be an option for people
experiencing the discomfort and physical limitations of worn out, diseased or damaged joints.

If only some of the joint is damaged, orthopaedic surgeons may be able to repair or replace just the damaged parts through a partial joint replacement. In more severe cases, a total joint replacement may be the best option. Joint replacement, whether partial or total, can help ease pain, restore mobility and improve quality of life.

Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin orthopaedic experts use advanced diagnostics to make an accurate diagnosis for each patient. Specialized treatments include minimally invasive surgery and robotic surgery, a technique that allows for more accuracy than is possible with traditional surgical instruments. These less invasive techniques often translate to faster recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Joint Replacement

John Nettrour, MD, orthopaedic surgeon and MCW faculty member, offered insight into frequently asked questions about joint replacement.
 

Q: How would you characterize joint replacement today?

A: Joint replacement now is different than it was even 10 or 20 years ago. The prostheses are better with respect to metal and component parts, and we have integrated computer and robotic navigation into the surgical process. Effectiveness and safety of the joint replacement process have also increased.

Q: What joints can be replaced? 

A: Most joints in the human body can be replaced. The top three are knee, hip and shoulder, in that order, and then ankle. After that, it drops off dramatically. However, we do have replacements for finger and toe joints and even vertebra.

Q: At what age is joint replacement best or most appropriate?

A: We used to say anyone age 55 or under should wait, but we now replace joints in younger people more routinely. Joint replacements allow people to maintain more active and healthy lifestyles. Joint replacement is increasing steadily in the baby boomer generation as they live longer and wear out their native joints. It is also appropriate to treat joint damage caused by osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis and infectious arthritis.

Q: What are the reasons for joint replacement?

A: People want relief from joint pain and to be able to continue activities they enjoy. Joint replacement is quite successful in obtaining these goals.

Q: How long does a replacement last?

A: For surgeries performed 15 to 20 years ago, data shows that over 96% of hip and knee replacements are working well. The joints we put in today are much better than in the past, so we are optimistic we will see replacements last 20 or 25 years.

Q: Why are today’s replacements better?

A: Technological advancements have helped improve the parts we use for joint replacements. The metal, ceramic and polyethylene components used today have lower wear rates and hold up better than parts available in the past.

Q: How is robotic surgery used in joint replacement?

A: I use computer-assisted navigation or robotics routinely. Generally, about 20% of joint replacements use robotics now, and I expect that to increase to over 50% in the next five years. The techniques are improving, and more surgeons are offering computer-assisted and robotic surgeries to their patients.

Q: Can joint replacement be a same-day surgery?

A: Yes, many people are going home the same day after knee or hip replacements and doing exceptionally well. They tend to have lower infection rates and lower rates of deep vein thromboses because they are able to get moving faster in the home environment.

Q: What is making outpatient joint replacement possible?

A: One reason is that anesthesiologists are using regional pain blocks and spinal anesthetics instead of general anesthesia and patients feel better right away. We get people up and walking within an hour or two. They are out of surgery and are home four to five hours later. We provide patients with medication for pain and inflammation.

Q: What is recovery from joint replacement like?

A: Knee replacement usually requires four to six weeks of physical therapy before getting back to activities. It takes about three to six months for patients to return to a normal lifestyle with very few modifications.

Hip replacement patients generally progress quicker than people who have had a knee replaced, getting back to work in four to eight weeks. That is because the knee is a ball joint that also rotates, whereas the hip is just a ball joint with a very limited range of motion.

Helping aid the recovery, our rehabilitation specialists include physical therapists and occupational therapists dedicated exclusively to joint replacement. They use techniques that reduce pain, restore function, rebuild strength and help people return to their normal activities as soon as possible.

Q: Does the Froedtert & MCW health network offer a second opinion program in joint replacement?

A: Yes. Patients can schedule an appointment themselves or ask their doctor to make a referral. They should bring along any previous imaging, or we can obtain imaging as needed. Afterward, our joint replacement team will consult and discuss our recommendations and treatment options.
 

Learn more about the different joint replacement options at froedtert.com/joint. Request an appointment by calling 414-777-7700.